Folding watercraft carrier with outboard pull handle

ABSTRACT

A watercraft carrier includes a base, a hub, an upright, and an actuator. The base includes an outboard end, a distal end, and an upper surface. The hub is disposed at the distal end of the base. The upright is coupled to the hub and configured to rotate with respect to the base. The actuator is configured to release the upright from a locked configuration such that the upright can rotate from a first position to a second position. Displacing the actuator in an outboard direction releases the upright from the locked configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/530,690, filed Aug. 2, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/209,562, filed Jul. 13, 2016, which are herebyincorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to watercraft carriers. Morespecifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to foldingwatercraft carriers with an outboard pull handle for use on a load barof a motor vehicle.

Background

Devices for carrying equipment, such as watercraft, for example but notlimited to, kayaks, canoes, surfboards, paddleboards, etc., on a vehiclecan be used to transport the watercraft from one place to another. Thewatercraft can be secured to the carrier to safely and convenientlytransport the watercraft, for example, on the roof of a motor vehicle.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a watercraft carrier can include a base having anoutboard end, a distal end, and an upper surface. In some embodiments,the watercraft carrier can include a hub disposed at the distal end ofthe base, an upright coupled to the hub and configured to rotate withrespect to the base. In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier caninclude a handle disposed at the outboard end of the base configured torelease the upright from a locked configuration such that the uprightcan rotate from a first position to a second position. In someembodiments, displacing the handle in an outboard direction can releasethe upright from the locked configuration. In some embodiments,displacing the handle in the outboard direction can operate a lockingmechanism in the hub. In some embodiments, a spring can bias the handlein a distal direction opposite the outboard direction. In someembodiments, the watercraft carrier can be configured to receive akayak.

In some embodiments, the watercraft carrier can include an intermediateelement coupled to the handle and to a wedge disposed in the hub. Insome embodiments, the intermediate element can be an elongated platedisposed along a length of the base in an interior compartment of thebase. In some embodiments, displacing the handle in the outboarddirection can displace the wedge in the outboard direction. In someembodiments, displacing the wedge in the outboard direction can displacea first block in a direction perpendicular to the outboard direction. Insome embodiments, the block can displace a gear from a first position toa second position such that the upright can rotate when the gear is inthe second position. In some embodiments, a first face of the wedge canengage a first contact face of a first block and a second face of thewedge can engage a second contact face of a second block. In someembodiments, the first face of the wedge and the second face of thewedge can be oblique.

In some embodiments, the upright can be disposed in a lengthwisedirection of the base in the first position and the watercraft carriercan be configured to receive a watercraft in the second position. Insome embodiments, the upright can be parallel with the base in the firstposition. In some embodiments, the upright can be in the lockedconfiguration in both the first position and the second position.

In some embodiments, the upright can include a first arm, a second arm,and a crossbar disposed between the first arm and the second arm. Insome embodiments, the upright can be a unitary member. In someembodiments, the base can be disposed between the first arm and thesecond arm when the watercraft carrier is in the first position.

In some embodiments, the upright can be configured to rotate more than90 degrees from the first position to the second position. In someembodiments, the upright can be configured to rotate about 105 degreesfrom the first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, a pad can be disposed on the upper surface of thebase. In some embodiments, the pad can include a plurality of voidsthrough the pad from a first side to a second side of the pad. In someembodiments, the voids can be disposed between an upper surface and alower surface of the pad. In some embodiments, the pad can furtherinclude a rib separating a first void and a second void. In someembodiments, the rib can extend from the upper surface to the lowersurface of the pad.

In some embodiments, the base can include a ramp portion at the outboardend of the base extending upwardly relative to the upper surface of thebase at the distal end of the base. In some embodiments, the watercraftcarrier can include a mounting foot coupled to the base, which can beconfigured to couple the watercraft carrier to a load bar on a vehicle.

In some embodiments, a system for carrying a watercraft on a roof of avehicle can include a first carrying device configured to be mounted ona load bar on the roof of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the firstcarrying device can include a base having an outboard end and a distalend, where the outboard end is disposed toward a side edge of the roofand the distal end is disposed toward a midline of the roof. In someembodiments, an upright can be coupled to the distal end of the base andconfigured to rotate with respect to the base. In some embodiments, theupright can be coupled to a hub at the distal end of the base.

In some embodiments, a handle disposed at the outboard end of the basecan be configured to release the upright from a locked configurationsuch that the upright can rotate from a first position to a secondposition. In some embodiments, the handle can be configured to bedisplaced toward the side edge of the roof to release the upright fromthe locked configuration. In some embodiments, displacing the handletoward the side edge of the roof can operate a locking mechanism of theupright at the distal end of the base, for example, inside a hub. Insome embodiments, the upright can be configured to rotate more than 90degrees from the first position to the second position.

In some embodiments, the upright can include a first arm, a second arm,and a crossbar disposed between the first arm and the second arm. Insome embodiments, the base can be disposed between the first arm and thesecond arm and the crossbar can be disposed between the outboard end ofthe base and the side edge of the roof when the watercraft carrier is inthe first position. In some embodiments, the crossbar of the upright canbe disposed above the base and between the distal end of the base andthe midline of the roof when the watercraft carrier is in the secondposition.

In some embodiments, the system can include a second carrying device. Insome embodiments, the second carrying device can include a base havingan outboard end and a distal end, such that the outboard end is disposedtoward the side edge of the roof and the distal end is disposed towardthe midline of the roof. In some embodiments, an upright coupled to thedistal end of the base can be configured to rotate with respect to thebase. In some embodiments, a handle disposed at the outboard end of thebase can be configured to release the upright from a lockedconfiguration such that the upright can rotate from a first position toa second position.

In some embodiments, a method of operating a watercraft carrier caninclude activating a handle at an outboard end of a base of thewatercraft carrier. In some embodiments, activating the handle canrelease a locking mechanism of an upright. In some embodiments, thelocking mechanism can be disposed at a distal end of the base. In someembodiments, the method can include rotating the upright from a firstposition to a second position.

In some embodiments, activating the handle can include pulling thehandle in an outboard direction. In some embodiments, activating thehandle can displace a wedge in a hub at the distal end of the base in afirst direction. In some embodiments, displacing the wedge can displacea pair of blocks in opposite directions perpendicular to the firstdirection. In some embodiments, displacing the pair of blocks candisplace a pair of respective gears from an engaged configuration suchthat the upright can rotate from the first position to the secondposition. In some embodiments, the method can include activating thehandle and rotating the upright from the second position to the firstposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate the embodiments and, together with thedescription, further serve to explain the principles of the embodimentsand to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and usethe embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a watercraft carrier, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a watercraft carrier, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a watercraft carrier, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a watercraft carrier, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a watercraft carrier,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an interior of a watercraft carrier, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a base of a watercraftcarrier, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of a watercraft carrier, according toan embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate an interior view of a hub of a watercraftcarrier, according to embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate an interior cross-sectional view of a hub of awatercraft carrier, according to embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a partial interior cross-sectional view of ahub of a watercraft carrier, according to embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate a partial interior view of a hub of awatercraft carrier, according to embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a watercraft carrier,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a watercraft carrier, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of a watercraft carrier, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of watercraft carrier, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of a watercraft carrier, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of watercraft carriers on a motorvehicle, according to an embodiment.

The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparentfrom the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunctionwith the drawings, in which like reference characters identifycorresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like referencenumbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/orstructurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail withreference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “someembodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described mayinclude a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but everyembodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed.

The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of thepresent embodiments. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of thevariety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field,and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within thespirit and scope of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an embodiment of watercraft carrier 10 in a closedposition 20, which can also be referred to as a storage position or anon-use position. Generally, in closed position 20, a watercraft is notdisposed on watercraft carrier 10. By having upright 300 foldeddownward, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the profile and thus wind resistanceand noise produced by watercraft carrier 10 can be reduced when disposedon a roof a of a vehicle while travelling.

As shown, for example in FIG. 5 , a user can pull a handle 120conveniently disposed at an outboard end 102 of a base 100 of watercraftcarrier 10, for example, in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 5 .Pulling the handle 120 can release a locking mechanism so that upright300 can be rotated about base 100 to an in-use or open position 30, forexample as shown in FIGS. 13-17 . The location of handle 120 at outboardend 102 of base 100 simplifies and improves access by the user to theunlocking mechanism for upright 300. By locating handle 120 at theoutboard end 102 of base 100 rather than, for example, at the distal end104 of base 100 near hub 200, the user can more easily reach themechanism by which upright 300 can be released from a locked position,for example, closed position 20 or open position 30.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4 , watercraft carrier 10 is shown in aclosed position 20, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, inclosed position 20, upright 300 can be disposed generally in alengthwise direction of base 100. In some embodiments, upright 300 canbe parallel with a lengthwise axis of base 100 in the closed position20. In some embodiments, upright 300 can be wider and longer than base100 such that upright 300 surrounds base 100 on at least three sides,for example, as shown in the top view of FIG. 4 .

Watercraft carrier 10 can include a base 100, which can be made from anysuitable material, for example but not limited to, plastic or metal.Base 100 can have an outboard end 102, which can be located closest tothe user when watercraft carrier 10 is disposed on a motor vehicle, forexample, on a load bar attached to a roof of a vehicle. FIG. 18 , forexample, illustrates a pair of watercraft carriers 10 on load bars 402of a vehicle roof 400, with handle 120 disposed at the outboard end 102of the base 100 closest to the side of the vehicle. Base 100 can alsoinclude a distal end 104 opposite outboard end 102. Distal end 104 canbe disposed adjacent to or be part of hub 200. Distal end 104 can bedisposed closer to a longitudinal midline M of the vehicle than theoutboard end 102. Base 100 can include first longitudinal sidewall 106and second longitudinal sidewall 108 extending from outboard end 102 todistal end 104, as shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 4 .

Base 100 can include upper surface 110, which can face the watercraft tobe carried upon the watercraft carrier 10. In some embodiments, uppersurface 110 of base 100 can include ramp 112. Ramp 112 can facilitateholding the watercraft on the watercraft carrier 10 and prevent thewatercraft from slipping off the outboard end 102 of base 100. Ramp 112can extend at an upward angle from a longitudinal portion of uppersurface 110 of base 100. For example, ramp 112 can extend upward nearoutboard end 102 of base 100, as shown in FIG. 2 . The height andincline of ramp 112 can be varied. In some embodiments, the incline oframp 112 can be about 45 degrees.

In some embodiments, one or more pad 114 can be disposed on orconstitute upper surface 110 of base 100. Pad 114 can be made of anysuitable material, for example but not limited to, rubber, plastic,foam, or a composite material. In some embodiments, pad 114 can have astructure as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,975,494, whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In someembodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 , pad 114 caninclude one or more void 116 extending through pad 114 from firstlongitudinal sidewall 106 to second longitudinal sidewall 108 of base100. In some embodiments, ribs 118 can be disposed between voids 116 inpad 114. Voids 116 and ribs 118 can provide cushioning and flexion topad 114. This can reduce what are known as “hot spots” on the watercrafthull, where localized friction and/or pressure can build up on the hullwhile being carried on watercraft carrier 10 due to the shape of thehull and its position on the pad 114. In some embodiments, a pluralityof voids 116 and ribs 118 can extend across the width of the pad 114from distal end 104 to outboard end 102 of base 100. In someembodiments, a portion of pad 114 along ramp 112 can include voids 116and ribs 118 (not shown).

In some embodiments, base 100 of watercraft carrier 10 can includehandle 120. In some embodiments, handle 120 can be disposed at outboardend 102 of base 100. This makes handle 120 easily accessible to the userstanding at the side of the vehicle. In some embodiments, handle 120 canbe pulled in the outboard direction (i.e., toward the near side of thecar) by a user to release a locking mechanism of upright 300. In someembodiments, pulling handle 120 can activate mechanisms within hub 200to release upright 300 from a closed position 20 or an open position 30,as described in more detail below, for example, with respect to FIGS.9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B.

Other activation mechanisms for handle 120 are also contemplated. Forexample, a lever, dial, knob, button, or similar mechanism can bedisposed at outboard end 102 of base 100 that can activate mechanisms torelease upright 300 from a locked position. By way of example, a usercould turn a knob or press a lever, which is connected through a linkageto distal end 104 of base 100. Doing so can activate mechanisms, forexample, within hub 200, to release upright 300 as described below.

In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 , handle 120 canbe proximate to upright 300 when upright 300 is in the closed position20. For example, handle 120 can be proximate to crossbar 306 of upright300, for example, within 6 inches. This can facilitate and simplifytransitioning upright 300 from the closed position 20 to the openposition 30. For example, the user can easily operate handle 120 withone hand and push the upright 300 inboard toward the distal end 104 ofthe base 100 with the other hand. The user does not need to reach, forexample, to the distal end 104 of the base 100, which can beparticularly difficult when the watercraft carrier 10 is disposed on theroof of a vehicle. Similarly, when transitioning upright 300 from theopen position 30 to the closed position 20, the user can pull handle 120and grab any part of upright 300 to pull it in the outboard direction.This is easier and safer than trying to operate a mechanism at thedistal end 104 of the base 100.

In some embodiments, base 100 can include top cover 130. In someembodiments, top cover 130 can include upper surface 110 and/or pad 114.In some embodiments, top cover 130 can be secured to base 100 at hinge131 at distal end 104. As shown, for example in FIG. 6 , in someembodiments, top cover 130 can be opened to expose base compartment 132.For example, in some embodiments, a lock 134 can be unlocked, forexample, by rotating knob 136. Upon rotating knob 136, lock core 138 canrotate such that a notch 139 which can engage a flange 133 on aninterior of top cover 130 (see, for example, FIG. 7 ) releases from alocked position. Other locking mechanisms for top cover 130 can also beused, for example, a key and lock core or friction-fit locking members.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , in some embodiments, handle 120 can beattached to an intermediate member, for example, plate 122. In someembodiments, plate 122 can extend from outboard end 102 of base 100 todistal end 104. As described in greater detail below, the distal end122B of plate 122 can be attached to a wedge 206 or other mechanismwithin hub 200 to activate the components that release upright 300 fromthe locked position.

In some embodiments, spring 124 can bias plate 122 and therefore handle120 attached to proximal end 122A of plate 122 toward distal end 104. Asshown, for example in FIG. 5 , the handle 120 can be pulled in theoutboard direction, thereby displacing plate 122 in the outboarddirection and pulling wedge 206 in the outboard direction within hub 200as well. The mechanisms within hub 200 are described in further detailbelow.

Plate 122 can be made from any suitable material, for example but notlimited to, metal or plastic. Other intermediate members or linkages canbe used in place of plate 122. For example, a chain, wire, cord, cable,rod, or other connection element can connect handle 120 with, forexample, wedge 206.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4 , in some embodiments, watercraft carrier10 can include upright 300. In some embodiments, upright 300 can includefirst arm 302 and second arm 304. In some embodiments, first arm 302 canbe connected to second arm 304 by crossbar 306, such that there is aspace between first arm 302 and second arm 304. In some embodiments,first arm 302 and second arm 304 can be disposed outside of firstlongitudinal sidewall 106 and second longitudinal sidewall 108 of base100, respectively. In some embodiments, upright 300 can be an integralcomponent such that first arm 302, second arm 304 and crossbar 306 aremade from the same piece of material. Upright 300 can be made from anysuitable material, for example but not limited to, metal or plastic. Insome embodiments, upright 300 can have U-shape, such that respectiveconnection ends 303 of first arm 302 and second arm 304 are coupled tohub 200 and crossbar 306 is disposed at an opposite end. In someembodiments, upright 300 can be a hollow tube, which can decrease theweight of upright 300.

In some embodiments, upright 300 can include one or more pad 314. Pad314 can be made of any suitable material, for example, rubber, plastic,or foam. In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 2 , pads 314can include one or more void 316 with ribs 318 disposed there between,similar to pad 114 of base 100 described above. Pads 314 can be disposedpartially or entirely around upright 300. For example, in someembodiments, each of first arm 302 and second arm 304 can have a pad314. In some embodiments, crossbar 306 can have a pad 314. These pads314 can provide benefits as described above with respect to pad 114 ofbase 100.

In some embodiments, upon activation of handle 120, which can release alocking mechanism, upright 300 can rotate from a first position, forexample, closed position 20, to a second position, for example, openposition 30, or vice versa. The locking mechanism can be any mechanismthat prevents rotation of handle 120, for example, but not limited tointerference mechanisms, geared mechanisms, friction-fit mechanisms,keyed mechanisms, etc. In some embodiments, upright 300 can rotatefreely between the closed position 20 and open position 30, but uponreaching the closed position 20 and/or open position 30, upright 300locks in place.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of watercraft carrier 10, according toan embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, hub 200 caninclude housing 202. In some embodiments, one or more portion of housing202 can rotate with upright 300. Hub 200 can have a rear cover 230 whichcan be coupled to or form a part of housing 202 of hub 200. Rear cover230 can be removably attached, for example, by screws 231. In someembodiments, rear cover 230 can be located near distal end 104 of base100.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate embodiments of watercraft carrier 10 withrear cover 230 removed. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, in someembodiments, plate 122 can be coupled to wedge 206 within hub 200. Insome embodiments, wedge 206 can be disposed between first and secondblocks 210 within hub 200.

FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment where handle 120 is in a rest state,where it is not being pulled in the outboard direction. In thisconfiguration, upright 300 is locked in the closed position 20 in FIG.9A. In some embodiments, spring 124 can bias plate 122 and thereforewedge 206 to the rest state.

FIG. 9B illustrates a configuration where handle 120 is pulled in theoutboard direction. Plate 122 and therefore wedge 206 coupled theretoare also pulled in the outboard direction. In some embodiments, as wedge206 is moves in the outboard direction, blocks 210 are forced outwardwithin hub compartment 232 such that blocks 210 move in a directiontoward the first longitudinal sidewall 106 and second longitudinalsidewall 108 of base 100, respectively. As described in more detailbelow, the movement of blocks 210 outward can disengage gears withingears 220 within hub 200, thereby unlocking upright 300 such that it canbe rotated to the open position 30. The watercraft carrier can besimilarly operated to rotate the upright 300 from the open position 30to the closed position 20.

FIGS. 10A-12B illustrate components within hub 200 which allow upright300 to be released from the locked position so that it can transitionfrom the closed position 20 to the open position 30, and vice versa,according to embodiments. FIGS. 10A and 11A illustrate an embodimentwhere handle 120 is not being pulled, as in FIG. 9A. Likewise, FIGS. 10Band 11B illustrate an embodiment where handle 120 is pulled in theoutboard direction indicated by arrow A, as in FIG. 9B. The arrows B andC in FIGS. 10B and 11B indicate directional movement of the wedge 206and blocks 210. Activation of the handle 120 at outboard end 102 of base100 can initiate movement of the components in hub 200.

In some embodiments, hub 200 can include housing 202 with wedge 206 andblocks 210 disposed within hub compartment 232. In some embodiments,wedge 206 can include first face 207 and second face 208. In someembodiments, first face 207 and second face 208 can be angled towardeach other from a distal end toward an outboard end of wedge 206 (i.e.,at an oblique angle). In some embodiments, first face 207 and secondface 208 can contact respective contact faces 212 of blocks 210. In someembodiments, contact faces 212 of one or more blocks 210 can be disposedparallel to respective first face 207 and second face 208 of wedge 206.Wedge 206 and blocks 210 can be made from any suitable material, forexample but not limited to, plastic.

As shown, for example in FIGS. 10B and 11B, in some embodiments, whenhandle 120 is pulled in the outboard direction, wedge 206, which can beattached to distal end 122B of plate 122, can also be pulled in theoutboard direction. Movement of wedge 206 can force blocks 210 outwardtoward respective first arm 302 and second arm 304 of upright 300. Insome embodiments, blocks 210 can move in a direction perpendicular tothe direction of wedge 206.

In some embodiments, blocks 210 can have one or more arm 214. In someembodiments, arms 214 can extend through respective holes 109 in housing202 of hub 200. In some embodiments, arms 214 can press againstrespective gears 220, which can be disposed in gear spaces 236 in hub200. The displacement of gears 220 outward by blocks 210 can disengageteeth 222 of gears 220 from grooves 233 in hub 200. In some embodiments,the release of this toothed interaction can release upright 300 from alocked position so that it can be rotated. Once upright 300 is unlocked,it can be rotated, for example, about an axis extending throughfasteners 234, which can couple upright 300 with hub 200 and/or base100.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 12A and 12B, in some embodiments, hub200 can include one or more locking ribs 224, which can be disposed inrespective channels 226 of gear 220. When handle 120 is pulled todisplace wedge 206 in the outboard direction, thereby displacing blocks210, upright 300 can be rotated, for example, in the direction indicatedby the arrow R in FIG. 12A. In some embodiments, locking ribs 224 can beused to limit the rotational movement of upright 300. For example, insome embodiments, upright 300 can be rotated 90° or more from the closedposition 20 to the open position 30. In some embodiments, watercraftcarrier 10 can be rotated 105° from the closed position 20 to the openposition 30. In some embodiments, once upright 300 reaches the maximumrotation permitted by locking ribs 224, teeth 222 of gears 220 can lockback into place with grooves 223 in hub 200 to lock upright 300 inplace. In some embodiments, upright 300 can be free to move between theclosed position 20 and the open position 30. In some embodiments, uponreaching either the closed position 20 or the open position 30, upright300 can lock in place. Pulling on handle 120 can release upright 300from either the closed position 20 or open position 30.

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate views of watercraft carrier 10 in an openposition 30, according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates aperspective view of watercraft carrier 10 in an open position 30.Watercraft carrier 10 can reach the configuration shown in FIG. 13 , forexample, by pulling handle 120 and rotating upright 300 toward distalend 104 of base 100. Upon reaching the open position 30, upright 300 canlock in place such that it cannot be rotated without pulling handle 120.Upon pulling handle 120, upright 300 can be rotated back toward theoutboard end 102 of base 100 to the closed position 20.

As shown, for example in FIG. 14 , upright 300 can be disposed at anangle θ with respect to the longitudinal direction of base 100 in theopen position 30. The angle θ can be calculated between the lengthwiseaxis of base 100 from outboard end 102 to distal end 104 through a pointof rotation of a central axis C of hub 200 and the lengthwise axis ofupright 300 through central axis C. Watercraft carrier 10 can beconfigured such that θ is a particular number of degrees. In someembodiments, θ can be between 60° and 180° when watercraft carrier 10 isin the open position 30. In some embodiments, θ can be between 80° and120° when watercraft carrier 10 is in the open position 30. In someembodiments, θ can be between 90° and 115°. In some embodiments, θ canbe about 105°.

FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 illustrate watercraft carrier 10 in an openposition 30 from a front view, top view, and bottom view, respectively.Components of watercraft carrier 10 are identified by the same referencenumbers as in FIGS. 1-4, 13, and 14 .

FIG. 18 illustrates a pair of watercraft carriers 10 coupled to a roof400 of a motor vehicle via load bars 402. In some embodiments, a mountor footing 404 can couple base 100 of watercraft carrier 10 to a loadbar 402 on the roof 400 of the vehicle. In some embodiments, thewatercraft 500, for example, but not limited to a kayak, canoe,surfboard, paddleboard, etc. can be disposed along the lengthwisedirection of the vehicle, i.e., the traveling direction. In someembodiments, the watercraft 500 can be disposed on base 100 andsupported by upright 300 of watercraft carrier 10. In some embodiments,one or more ropes, straps, bungee cords, etc., can be used to secure thewatercraft 500 to the watercraft carriers 10 so that the watercraft canbe transported on the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 18 , in some embodiments, the handle 120 can bedisposed near a side edge of the vehicle. This can make the handleeasily accessible to a user standing next to the side of the vehicle.When the watercraft carrier 10 is in the closed position 20, the usercan pull the handle 120 and push the upright 300 toward the distal end104 of the base 100 (i.e., toward the midline M of the vehicle). Ifpushed forcefully enough, the upright 300 can reach the open position 30and lock into place in the open position 30. The spring 124 can bias thehandle 120 to the rest position. In order to release the upright 300from the open position 30, the user can again pull the handle 120 in theoutboard direction and pull the upright 300 in the outboard direction tothe closed position 20. If a strap, for example, is attached to theupright 300, for example to crossbar 306, the user may be able to pullthe upright 300 to the closed position 20 without having to reach theupright itself

Methods of operating a watercraft carrier can be accomplished accordingto the manners of operation disclosed herein. In some embodiments, amethod of operating a watercraft carrier can include activating a handleor other activation device at an outboard end of a base of thewatercraft carrier. In some embodiments, activating the handle canrelease a locking mechanism of an upright. In some embodiments, thelocking/unlocking mechanism(s) can be disposed at a distal end of thebase, for example, within a hub. In some embodiments, the method caninclude rotating the upright from a first position to a second position.

In some embodiments, activating the handle can include pulling thehandle in an outboard direction. In some embodiments, activating thehandle can displace a wedge in a hub at the distal end of the base in afirst direction. In some embodiments, displacing the wedge can displaceone or more blocks, for example, in a direction perpendicular to thefirst direction. In some embodiments, displacing the block(s) candisplace one or more gears from an engaged configuration such that theupright can rotate from the first position to the second position. Insome embodiments, the method can include activating the handle androtating the upright from the second position to the first position.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and notthe Brief Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used tointerpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forthone or more but not all exemplary embodiments of watercraft carriers ascontemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit thepresent embodiments and the appended claims in any way.

The present disclosure has been described above with the aid offunctional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specifiedfunctions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functionalbuilding blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenienceof the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as thespecified functions and relationships thereof are appropriatelyperformed.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fullyreveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applyingknowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt forvarious applications such specific embodiments, without undueexperimentation, without departing from the general concept of thepresent disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications areintended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of thedisclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presentedherein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminologyherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, suchthat the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is tobe interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings andguidance.

The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be definedonly in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A watercraft carrier, comprising: a base havingan outboard end, a distal end, and an upper surface; a hub disposed atthe distal end of the base; an upright coupled to the hub and configuredto rotate with respect to the base; and an actuator configured torelease the upright from a locked configuration such that the uprightcan rotate from a first position to a second position, whereindisplacing the actuator in an outboard direction releases the uprightfrom the locked configuration.
 2. The watercraft carrier of claim 1,wherein displacing the actuator translates the actuator in the outboarddirection.
 3. The watercraft carrier of claim 1, wherein the actuatorcomprises a lever.
 4. The watercraft carrier of claim 3, whereindisplacing the actuator comprises translating a portion of the lever inthe outboard direction.
 5. The watercraft carrier of claim 3, whereinthe lever is coupled to a locking mechanism of the upright.
 6. Thewatercraft carrier of claim 5, wherein: the locking mechanism isdisposed at the distal end of the base, and the lever is coupled to thelocking mechanism via a linkage.
 7. The watercraft carrier of claim 5,wherein the locking mechanism comprises a keyed mechanism.
 8. Thewatercraft carrier of claim 1, wherein displacing the actuator comprisesrotating a portion of the actuator.
 9. The watercraft carrier of claim8, wherein the actuator comprises a dial or a knob.
 10. The watercraftcarrier of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a handle.
 11. Thewatercraft carrier of claim 1, wherein the actuator is part of the base.12. The watercraft carrier of claim 1, wherein the actuator is disposedat an outboard end of the base of the watercraft carrier.
 13. Thewatercraft carrier of claim 1, wherein the actuator is biased in adistal direction opposite the outboard direction.
 14. The watercraftcarrier of claim 13, wherein the actuator is coupled to a springconfigured to bias the actuator in the distal direction.
 15. Thewatercraft carrier of claim 1, wherein the actuator is coupled to alinkage configured to disengage a keyed mechanism in the hub.
 16. Amethod of operating a watercraft carrier, comprising: activating anactuator coupled to a base of the watercraft carrier, wherein:activating the actuator releases a locking mechanism of an upright, thelocking mechanism disposed at a distal end of the base, and activatingthe actuator comprises displacing the actuator in an outboard direction;and rotating the upright from a first position to a second position. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein displacing the actuator comprisestranslating a portion of the actuator in the outboard direction.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, wherein displacing the actuator comprises rotating aportion of the actuator.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein activatingthe actuator comprises translating a linkage coupled to the lockingmechanism.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein releasing the lockingmechanism comprises disengaging a keyed mechanism.